Kent academy all-rounder Adam Ball has been named Kent League Young Cricketer of the Year for 2009.

The 16-year-old beat off strong competition to the award and Kent academy director Phil Relf was delighted with the announcement.

"He has made really good progress at Bexley Cricket Club, in the last couple of seasons, and they have been very supportive of him," said Relf.

"They have given him excellent opportunities by batting him in the top order and he has repaid that faith by doing well for them.

"He scored a Premier League hundred this summer, which is no mean feat for a 16 year-old.”

Relf is thankful to Bexley for handling Ball's workload so successfully.

“His club side has been excellent with their demands on Adam and they have always worked with us to make sure things are carefully managed," he said.

"Their approach has ensured that Adam has not been over bowled and this is refreshing. We look forward to seeing him develop further in 2010.”